Medical researchers develop new methods for cancer diagnostics

Researchers are developing new methods to improve cancer diagnostics through microbiome analysis and molecular detection.

At Yonsei University in South Korea, scientists analyzed saliva and stool samples from 507 individuals. They discovered that specific bacteria found in the mouth can serve as indicators for stomach, colorectal, and intestinal cancers. By identifying patterns in oral bacterial variations, the researchers developed a model capable of distinguishing between cancer patients and healthy individuals.

Simultaneously, an international team led by researchers at Malmö University has developed synthetic receptors designed to detect precise cellular protein changes. This technology can isolate protein fragments carrying phosphate groups at specific positions, even when surrounded by similar molecules. This capability is critical for identifying abnormal phosphorylation, a process linked to various diseases including cancer, and could lead to more reliable, personalized medical treatments.